Online Reporter
Ellina Mhlanga-Zimpapers Sports Hub
TRIATHLON Zimbabwe vice president Pamela Fulton is excited about the future following some solid performances by upcoming athletes at this year’s Bonaqua Africa Triathlon Cup and Multi-sport Festival at the Troutbeck Resort in Nyanga on Saturday.
On a day when Zimbabwe’s leading triathlete, Andie Kuipers, had to withdraw from the event early in the swim due to some discomfort, 15-year-old Rachel O’Donoghue delivered a strong performance to claim bronze on her first elite category appearance.
O’Donoghue, together with Zander Botha, who walked away with gold in the Africa Triathlon Junior Cup men, have had an outstanding season, stamping their authority on the local scene.
This is their first season in the junior (Under-17/Under-19) category, having graduated from the youth (Under-13/Under-15).
Last November Botha and O’Donoghue attended the World Triathlon Development Regional Camp in Kilifi, Kenya.
It was part of a build-up to the World Triathlon Development Regional Cup, they both scooped silver medals for Zimbabwe in their respective categories.
For the young athletes, the event served as the first eligibility race for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG) to be held between October and November.
Botha went on to compete in the second eligibility race in Egypt. In February this year. In the female category Zimbabwe were represented by Olivia Beamish.
Zimbabwe are among those countries hoping to get the slots (one male and one female) for the Youth Olympics.
Fulton is positive with such talent amongst the young and upcoming athletes, the future looks promising.
“Both athletes have had a fantastic season with Zander focusing on triathlon and Rachel turned her attention to Xterra, being off road triathlon over the Christmas season.
“Zander competed in the youth event in Kilifi, Africa Cup events in el Galala, Ebotse and Troutbeck coming 11th, sixth and first in the Cup events.
“He will once again be testing himself this coming weekend in the Africa Cup Swakopmund event and will join the team the following weekend to compete in the final Africa Cup event in Mossel Bay.
“Rachel had a break from competing in the traditional triathlons and came second in the South Africa Xterra championships, coming second overall lady over the sprint distance.
“She excelled this weekend making her debut appearance in the elite field at the Africa Cup Troutbeck.
“Their future in triathlon is extremely bright as we wait to hear after March 31 whether Zimbabwe have qualified for YOG26,” said Fulton.
Fulton, who is also the national coach was full of praise for the Zimbabwean athletes, following the impressive performances by the locals.
Focus was also on the national championships that included youth athletes.
“This year I took a step back from officiating at Troutbeck and spent more time supporting our athletes. It was so special to watch them all compete giving their all.
“There were some very proud moments for Zimbabwe watching Zander break the finish tape in the junior men’s event and Rachel winning the bronze medal in the elite ladies.
“There were also some heartbreaking moments watching a couple of athletes being pulled off the course for safety reasons.
“It was a tough day out there and I am exceptionally proud of every athlete whether elite or age group who committed to the start line and gave their best in the extreme weather conditions,” Fulton said.
The likes of Zizael Manyati were competing at Troutbeck for the first time.
Despite finishing eighth in the Junior Cup, he was excited for just making it to the finish line.
“Next time I feel like I will come more prepared for the South African guys. I did not know that they are fast. I was expecting a cakewalk, but here we are. We live and learn.
“It was painful, yes, it was tiresome, but it was the feeling of finishing. That was the best,” said Manyati.
The Troutbeck event marks the last competitive competition on the local scene. Triathlon Zimbabwe will, however, hold the end-of-season fun events and prize giving at Mt Pleasant Pool on March 29.
